Professional Makeup Mirror

ABSTRACT

An illumination device configured for use by makeup artists, hair stylists, and performers in the performing arts and motion picture industry. The invention consists of a mirror with portions that allows light from LEDs mounted behind the mirror to illuminate subjects in front of the mirror. Light intensity and color temperature are adjustable by the user. Convenience receptacles for hair styling appliances are built into the invention. Modern USB receptacles and wireless charging pads are also included. Power is provided by connecting an extension cord to a male AC plug mounted on the back of the device. The invention may come with a stand with wheels or may be made to sit on a flat surface.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to professional makeup and hair styling in the fields of performing arts and motion pictures. More specifically, the invention comprises a mobile lighting system and convenience receptacles to assist in the application of makeup and styling of hair.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditional Hollywood-style makeup mirrors consist of a mirror with a frame containing a number of incandescent screw-in-style light bulbs. These exposed bulbs expel a lot of heat, are a hazard for breaking, and require a lot of power relative to what is available today. They can be mobile or immobile and sometimes come with a dual convenience receptacle. In the case of a mobile device, power to the lights and receptacles is provided through a power cable extending from the device. In recent years some devices have been configured to connect an extension cord directly to the unit.

New technologies have created opportunities for more sophisticated lighting techniques and conveniences. The present invention seeks to provide a modern lighting system and modern conveniences for the Hollywood-style makeup mirror.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an illumination device for use in the performing arts and motion picture industry for the purpose of applying makeup and styling hair. Power to the device is provided by attaching an extension cord to the recessed male power plug on the back of the housing. The devices housing may be in tabletop or rollable form.

The invention includes a mirror that has a translucent border that allows light to pass through. Lights are mounted on the interior of the unit behind the translucent portion of the mirror illuminating the subject in front of the mirror. The lights are LED (light-emitting-diode), consume significantly less power, and expel significantly less heat than other contemporary light sources used in similar devices in the same field.

Control features are provided, granting the user the ability to vary the intensity of the light and control color temperature. A variety of convenience receptacles are included in the construction of the invention for powering hair styling appliances, entertainment devices, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an perspective interior view of the corner of the mirror and light assembly, showing the mirror, light source, and heat sinks and their placement in relation to one another.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the interior mirror and light assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the interior power box assembly.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is two perspective views of the present invention, showing the alternate form where the device is on a stand with wheels in the open and folded over states.

FIG. 8 is a electric schematic, showing how the invention's wiring is distributing power throughout the device.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the interior of the mirror assembly and power box.

REFERENCE NUMERS IN THE DRAWINGS 1 recessed male AC plug 2 power supply 3 LED strip 4 on/off switch 5 dimmer control 6 convenience receptacle 7 USB receptical 8 heat sync 9 housing 10 mirror 11 power box 12 color temp control 13 power pad 14 top mirror brace 15 table top 16 faceplate 17 wheel 18 handle 19 wheel cup 20 hinge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is designed to assist in the application of makeup and styling of hair specifically in the motion picture and performing arts fields. Power is provided by connecting an extension cord from a household power outlet into the recessed male AC plug (1) on the back of the device (as seen in FIG. 5). FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention in an assembled state and in its portable form. In this form the device is meant to sit atop a table or any other solid and flat surface.

The mirror (10) is made of low iron content glass meaning it has been through a special process that makes it clearer then standard glass. This means light can pass through the glass without changing color temperature. A two-inch border has been sand blasted around the top and sides, removing the reflectivity, which allows the light from the LED's (3) to pass through from behind. The sand blasting also creates a frosted glass effect that diffuses the light passing through. This diffusion is particularly important because LEDs, which are a more directional light source then contemporary bulbs, can be harsh and are not optimal for beauty lighting without proper diffusion.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show in proportion the spatial relationship between the heat sinks (8), mirror (10), and LED strips (3). The distance between the LED lights and the mirror as well as the size of the sand blasted border were taken into heavy consideration. If the lights and glass are too close, the light would not be properly diffused by the frost effect from the sand blasting, or if they are too far away the reflective part of the mirror would block light that would otherwise pass through.

Heat output is a major problem for professional makeup artists and hair stylists, because the excessive heat produced by similar devices increase the surrounding air temperature to the point performers can perspire. The invention alleviates this issue with a considerably reduced heat output. The heat sinks (8) dissipate heat generated by the lights into the interior of the device. Openings on the top mirror brace (14) allow heat to escape out of the top of the device. The dissipation of heat helps to extend the life of the LEDs inside.

You can turn the lights on and off with the switch (4) mounted on the front of the device. The light intensity and color temperature can be controlled using the color temp control (12) and dimmer control (5). Professional makeup artists and hair stylists can modify the light coming from the invention and match the light at which a performance will take place, or to their personal preference.

The housing (9) holds the mirror (10) and LEDs (3) in a balanced upright position. The housing also provides secure and convenient positioning of all lighting controls and convenience receptacles included in the power box (11) (illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4). The LEDs are safe and secured behind the mirror making transportation much safer. For repair and/or maintenance the mirror can be removed by removing the top mirror brace (14) and the table top (15) (as illustrated in FIG. 6). With these parts removed you gain access to all the LEDs and electrical wiring in the power box (11).

Another aspect this invention improves upon is power consumption. Environmentally conscious production companies desire a way to lessen environmental impact. This invention greatly reduces the power used relative to similar devices in the same field.

FIG. 4 shows an X-ray view of the power box (11). Under the table top (15) is a power supply (2), which provides the appropriate level of power to the lights. All convenience receptacles and light controls are mounted behind the faceplate (16). As seen in FIG. 1 the invention comprises three receptacles (6) for powering hair appliances located conveniently on the front of the device. The invention also incorporates power options for modern devices. Performers and artists can charge their devices through the front mounted USB outlets (7) or wirelessly by placing their compatible device on the charging pad (13).

FIG. 7 shows the same invention in an alternate mobile form. In this form the device is mounted to a stand with wheels (17). The stand also comprises handles (18) for easy carrying when necessary. In this form the invention can have an open or closed state. In the closed state wheel cups (19) are exposed allowing for secured stacking. When open the mirror is in an upright usable position, and when closed the device is folded over into the stand making it more compact for transportation. The opening/closing rotation is provided by a hinge mechanism (20), comprising of a pair of bolts each reinforced by two bearings.

Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the control for light intensity and on/off could take different forms. One alternative could be that the control for light intensity could be separated from the on/off control, rather than being combined into one device as illustrated in the FIGS. 4 and 5. Such a variation would not materially alter the nature of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims rather then any specific example provided. 

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. An illumination device configured for use by makeup artists, hair stylists, and performers in the performing arts and motion picture industry comprising of: a. a housing that provides balance, and physical a structure for the internal components. b. a mirror that comprises of at least one area which light can pass through and is also diffused before exiting front of said mirror; c. a light source that is situated behind the mirror for illuminating subjects in front of the mirror.
 2. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the glass of said mirror comprises low iron content glass so to not alter the color temperature of light passing through.
 3. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the light source comprises at least one LED (Light-Emitting-Diode)
 4. The combination defined in claim 3, wherein the said lights are attached to heat sinks for dissipating heat.
 5. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, wherein said LED lights comprise of an on/off switch.
 6. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of a control for varying the intensity of said LED lights.
 7. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprise of a control for adjusting the color temperature of said lights.
 8. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of a power supply for powering said LED lights.
 9. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of at least one wireless charging pad for charging compatible devices.
 10. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of at least one US household power convenience receptacle.
 11. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of at least 1 USB convenience receptacle.
 12. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, further comprising of at least one recessed male power plug.
 13. An illumination device as recited in claim 3, wherein the housing comprises of a stand with a plurality of wheels.
 14. An illumination device as recited in claim 13, further comprising of a stand with at least one wheel that has a breaking mechanism.
 15. An illumination device as recited in claim 13, further comprising of a bearing reinforced hinge to allow said device to fold into said stand.
 16. An illumination device as recited in claim 13, further comprising of wheel cups for secured stacking of said devices.
 17. The combination defined in claim 5, further comprising of a control for varying the intensity of said LED lights.
 18. The combination defined in claim 17, further comprising of at least one wireless charging pad for charging compatible devices.
 19. The combination defined in claim 17, further comprising of at least 1 USB convenience receptacle.
 20. The combination defined in claim 17, further comprising of a control for adjusting the color temperature of said lights.
 21. The combination defined in claim 17, further comprising of at least one US household power convenience receptacle. 